How to Make a Pen for Profit || Pen Turning for Beginners

[@tedspens]

This is an excellent tutorial. My methods are almost identical but with one difference -- I switch to non-stick bushings before any sanding. That way my bushings stay new longer. The key is don't sand too much and be careful to not round over the ends. The pen looks fantastic! Is that Bocote?

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Thanks! Sharp eye, Ted. Yes, it is Bocote. The wood-grain is definitely the rockstar of that pen. I appreciate the tip and will check it out.

[@aljones4719]

😢

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

@aljones4719 - why the tear?

[@tedspens]

@@TheBillPayingHobbyists I ignored it. Internet is weird. 🤣🤣

[@stevebutterworth60]

Very nice, but I would much prefer a wood finish. CA, for me, turns a lovely grained wood into a more plastic looking pen.

[@HonestDoubter]

That turned out really well. I am glad you kept in the "mistake" portion with the CA finish.

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Thanks for watching. Show it all; good, bad, and the ugly.🤣

[@alanhill769]

In the real world very few people would pay $70 for a pen, but they do make lovely gifts for family and friends. I have just made my first acrylic pen, and I am very pleased with the results.

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Super awesome. Thanks for watching and happy turning.

[@TheSilverSurferWoodturner]

especially when the actual pen parts are probably only worth 10$ max - I don't get pen turners wasting all that time on what is basically a sh1t pen 🤪

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

@TheSilverSurferWoodturner appreciate the comment. Keep watching, we might just change your mind.

[@blanco9295]

I don’t think you realize the market that is out there for nice pens like this. $70 is mid priced. Have a friend who sells them from $30-$400 depending on the style and material

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

@@blanco9295 Thanks for watching. There are many different styles and materials used. I was a craft show at the Florida Fair Grounds a few years ago and one artisan had a $930 pen. Happy turning.

[@johnfisher1005]

I started making pens a couple years ago started with a harbor freight lathe burned it up just replaced it back at it again great video nice finish and it really depends on the market for selling i just do it for a hobby sell a few deer antler and wood

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

@@johnfisher1005 thanks for watching. Keep going. Save up those pennies and try for an upgrade on your lathe. Happy turning!

[@donaldfarr8162]

Great video. I’ve turned 100s of pens but we can always learn something. You should do a video on how you made that simple device that holds the blank while drilling. I currently drill on the lathe and on the drill press. None are that easy.

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Thanks for watching. That was actually a gift from my Dad, who taught me everything I know about pen turning. I am sure I can make another one though. Next time I'm home I will give it a shot. Happy turning.

[@scottford5561]

Thanks! I hadn't realized that's what was causing the discoloration at the end of my turned blanks was from. Was frustrating me.

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Thanks for watching. So glad I could help. Happy turning!

[@patriotrumblingspatriot4176]

Great tutorial. I use microfiber cloth to remove sanding dust. The micro fibers will remove particles down to the size of bacteria. I throw away the cloth after cleaning. Do not burnish the cloth , if you do the fibers melt and become a source for scratches.

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

That's a great tip! Thanks for watching!

[@buckyrauch2953]

Never thought of that backer board technique for sanding. I will have to try that out.

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Thanks for watching. It’s the little details. Happy turning!

[@William_Kenny]

Great looking pen great demo nicely done just hit 👍 and subd kind regards from will in Ireland 🇮🇪.

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Thank you so much Will. One place I can’t wait to visit. I’ll let you know when we head that way.

[@gregberezansky3642]

Appreciate your vid! Looks like an interesting hobby. What's not interesting is some of the clowns that make unnecessary ignorant comments. It's like they get all excited to try and tear someone else down and then go to bed all by themselves with some twisted sense of satisfaction because they think they're smarter or something.. Newsflash; they're definitely not! In fact, reading their comments is way more cringe than any mistakes you may or may not have made during your process or the potential vs actual profit/ROI of your Pen.. it definitely does not make them sound smart, if anything it makes them sound weak, feable, and small both intellectually and emotionally.. kudos to you for not engaging at their level and just offering composed mature responses.. I want to get a lathe now and start turning some pens etc. I've never even considered it until now. It's a great gift idea if nothing else!!!

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Ha! Thanks for that. This made my day. Well, the pumpkin pie and this comment made my day. No need to get bogged down, you know? I'm thrilled you are considering the hobby. I look forward to seeing what you turn out, the more turners the merrier! Happy Thanksgiving and thanks for watching.

[@timberwolf3781]

The reason you had to clean the glue out of the tube is due to your insertion technique. DONT pull it back and forth.... that is what puts glue in your tube..... just one slow steady twisting push.... and you will never clean another tube. Great video..... love the content and idea!

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Thanks for watching and the recommendation. I will need to give that a try the next time I'm home for my next set.

[@LoganRaspa]

looks good, inspirational!

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Thank you for watching. I love it.

[@LoganRaspa]

great video! i always use medium CA glue for the tube, but the epoxy will definitely hold up better

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

I have found the CA works well with wood, not with resins or acrylic. My personal experience of course. Happy turning.

[@abrahamtorres7942]

Great video man very informal! What pen kits do you recommend that have good quality?

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Thanks for watching. Most of the Jr series kits like your find on Turner's Warehouse are going to be some really good high-end kits. Generally, like everything else, the more you pay for the kit, the better the quality. Happy Turning

[@jamesmcrae9238]

Nice video! Do you have a video where you show how to build your own carbide turning tools?

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Thanks for watching. We haven't made one yet. We started one and lost a lot of footage a couple years ago. We have a half turned handle and the steel shaft. I suppose we could do a video showing how to finish it up. Maybe next time I'm home. Happy turning.

[@danstark3341]

First time on your channel. I like your tutorial, but there are a few things I'd like to say about it. The first was that if you square your blocks before turning, there is no break needed to swap and swap back, which will save you plenty of time. Secondly, there is a tool called a pipe rasp, that could make the cleaning of the glue from your tube faster and will chamfer the corners at the same time you don't have to watch your movements as you do with an open blade. Personally, I buy new bushings every six to ten pens or so, depending on the type of pen. I don't mind scratching them some as I turn or finish. That way I can get right down to the size of my hardware with less sanding. Also, I take my skew like a parting tool or my diamond point carbide tool and cut my CA at the edge of the wood. This may take a little from the bushings, shortening their lifespan, but I never have a broken finish. Lastly, when it comes to finishing, I used to do it this way too. But I found a set of finishing pastes that cut out all of my wet sanding. I use them on bare wood, resin, hybrids, bone, antler, and on my CA finishes. I sand with abramesh to 600 and then thru the grits of paste (1k , 2k, 15k, 50k, 80k). Let me grab you the link for the pastes. www.stonespenblanks.com/collections/finishing-pastes/products/stones-polishing-paste-set

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Great stuff, glad you could be here! Thanks for watching!

[@pesto12601]

@Dan Stark: was going to say most of these exact points... especially to try and make pens for profit - you need to do production line style - on the lathe, switching lathe tools just to sand - is not a good method.

[@gc-1981]

Great pen man, I have just purchased my first lot of pen making kit, just waiting on the delivery,I am excited to start turning my first lot pens

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Thank you. That is great! Good luck and we can't wait to see your first pen.

[@jimhall4393]

Great instructions

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Thanks, Jim, glad you think so. I appreciate you watching!

[@jjmax3400]

A good, clear video on the whole process!

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Glad it was helpful, thanks so much for watching.

[@ekatlind]

Hey there, I was wondering you have any ideas for how to market oneself as a graphic designer/illustrator/artist or projects that could be sold using those skills?

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Thanks for watching. Honestly, love what you do and determination. If you love doing it, don’t stop and don’t be discouraged.

[@CalvinJ82]

Fantastic thorough video without missing a step. I always wonder how much i can actually sell pens for after all the money invested. Hiw did the sale go? Did you get $70 or more for it?

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Thanks for watching. Honestly it all depends on your market. Good luck.

[@calebwiggins3042]

When people don't tell you what they actually made its probably because they failed to meet the price point or someone bought it for way to much because it was in a video

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Thanks for watching. See comments below; it took about 6 weeks to find that particular pen a home at $40. And pricing art work is subjective. Happy turning.

[@monjoe732]

Great work! Have there been updates on how it went?

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Thanks for watching and thanks for the reminder. I will post some updates in the comments. Happy turning.

[@ThomasWood-j1e]

Good instructions.... The only problem I have is you should never use a rag or steel wool on a lathe. If it gets snagged, it could pull your hands into the spinning lathe...

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

You are absolutely correct. Always be mindful when around the lathe. Thanks for watching. Happy turning.

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

We think its great to see you all having a discussion on here. Best part is, I get to add a little science to my "tool box". Thanks so much for watching.

[@designerpens]

Question: right before you see the white spots of CA, it looks like you spray something on the blank?

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Yes. That is the accelerator. I have found that sometimes its the CA glue has gone bad, or there is a lot of dust still on the blank. Just start over and go again. Thanks for watching and happy turning.

[@TheDrgingerprice]

What a great video! I picked us some great tips. Love the single barrel pen - which pen kit is it? Thank you!

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Thank you for watching Ginger Price. That is a Legacy Viceroy.

[@michaela8437]

Great tutorial!

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@KR-zl2wc]

Where did you find your mandrel jig used for squaring up your pen blanks?

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Thanks so much for watching. Here is a link to the man that makes them. www.penturners.org/media/albums/rherrell.60/

[@keithhoward4916]

Thank You

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Thanks for watching, Keith!

[@roscoepatternworks3471]

What other materials have you used? I make pens for gifts. Antler, acrylic, bowling ball, water buffalo horn all make great looking pens. Also used hard soapstone and Corian counter top material. I didn't really want to get into selling.

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Thanks for watching. I have used a lot of those materials as well, to include ground up bleacher seats from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. Never used a bowling ball though. Happy turning.

[@designerpens]

Coffee bean pen blanks (Penn State?) are a challenge but well worth the effort

[@tonycordell9205]

Good, like to see other people screw up too!!! I am just starting, where did you get your pen kit?

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Thank you so much for watching. Can't get better without making mistakes. That kit came from Crooked Mill.

[@designerpens]

I like Penn State Industries. I have one of their Lighthouse pens currently under construction

[@MichaelBrown-kk6ck]

Can you use everclear instead of denatured alcohol? Might be similar enough and less toxic.

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Thanks for watching. To be honest, I'm not really sure I would use that. You're referring to the drink, correct?

[@MichaelBrown-kk6ck]

@@TheBillPayingHobbyists Yes. As I understand it both Everclear and denatured alcohol are 99% grain alcohol, but the remaining 1% of denatured alcohol is highly toxic but the remaining 1% of Everclear is water. Used to use Everclear for other purposes, like cleaning the heads of mag tape drives. Have never used it to spike punch or whatnot.

[@YanniTheSpartan]

Can you use bee wax for polish ?

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

I've never tried it. Give it a shot and let me know how it turns out. Thanks for watching.

[@joemartinez8625]

Where did you get the pen material?

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Thanks for watching. Usually from woodcraft or penstate

[@jswagg1826]

❤

[@dermotkelly4077]

Great video mate. I live in Thailand and I'm thinking of building a small workshop to start doing this as a hobby but will love to make a bit of money on it but I am concerned about the shipping costs. Do you have any ideas on what I should do? Any help will be much appreciated. Thank you so much

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Hey, thanks for watching. A lot of the suppliers here in the U.S. will ship internationally, which would be your best bet. Buy in bulk to keep your shipping costs per kit down as much as possible. If you are shipping your finished pens a good quality product warrants whatever the shipping cost is and many artisans transfer that to the customer. Get your spin on! I would love to see your first turn.

[@dermotkelly4077]

@@TheBillPayingHobbyists thanks for the heads up on that. I would like to get as much advice as possible. Much obliged

[@Charles-q4l5q]

I use a Zebra Z grip pen to make turned pens. Have you tried this methos?

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Not sure what you mean. Do you take a Zebra brand pen and use those parts to make a custom bodied pen? If so, great way to get parts. Thanks for watching and happy turning.

[@charlesrader8585]

Yes I use the parts of the Zebra Z grip to make my turned wood pen. Total cost is under $3.

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

That’s a novel idea. I would love to see your process

[@charlesrader8585]

@@TheBillPayingHobbyists Thanks for your interest. I use the following parts from the Zebra Z grip, the click end cap and the part under the rubber, cut this off. I measure the OD of the parts so I can end drill the 4 inch wood block. I drill on my lathe to center the holes . I connect the end drilling with a 7 mm drill so I can turn on the standard turning fixture. I pick bushings to fit the drilled holes and mount on the turning fixture. I then turn the wood block to shape, sand and finish with linseed oil. I insta)l the parts and secure with super glue. No need for inner sleeves with this method. I purchased some spectraply pen blanks from Penn for my wood blanks. I like this pen as it writes better than slimline.

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

@@charlesrader8585 That is a truly custom pen. I love it. When I get my lathe fixed I might just give that a try and see how well I can do. Thanks for sharing.

[@MichaelBrown-kk6ck]

What do the numbers look like? Cost/source of materials/tools? Time/effort to make a pen? Where to sell and for how much? Cost of shipping? How do you ship?

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Great questions, thanks so much for watching. For shipping I often use USPS. Sourcing is limitless. I've used bleachers from a high school before. There are plenty of resources on line as well. Google pen turning supplies and you'll find yourself down a rabbit hole in no time! I linked the video here (kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3PTfGagZ9KIl6c) for you that I made breaking down some of that info but the answers to some of your questions can vary pretty wildly depending on your skill level and market. To get an idea of pricing, ask the other artisans in your area about their price ranges to get a feel of where your prices should be. Happy turning my friend!

[@ryanpenner9950]

You mentioned using alcohol to get the dust of the piece, is it rubbing alcohol or something different?

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Thank you for your comment. I use Denatured Alcohol (DNA).

[@ryanpenner9950]

@@TheBillPayingHobbyists thanks you

[@gregf9647]

@@TheBillPayingHobbyists Does the Denatured Alcohol go by Acetone or any other type? I was looking at local shops and nothing comes up under that name

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

@@gregf9647 amzn.to/3CYRcTb

[@gsmscrazycanuck9814]

How successful are you on market place?

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Thanks for watching. Haven't sold a single pen on market place. The only thing I was able to sell there was my free standing Craftsman drill press. Good luck.

[@gsmscrazycanuck9814]

@@TheBillPayingHobbyists I see things there selling far below what it takes to make them.

[@BillyBob-si2db]

What make and model of lathe is that?

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Thanks for watching. It’s a Jet 12” x 21” (JWS-1221VS). Happy turning.

[@philalandry]

So did it sell??

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Yes, it sold. We can always make another. Thanks for watching.

[@SurajYonjan]

Where can I buy those pen parts

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Thanks for watching. There are numerous websites online, PennState Industries, Turner’s Warehouse, The Classic Nib to name a few.

[@tomspallone1868]

Did you sell it? And for how much?

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Hello Mr. Spallone, thanks for watching. We did sell it for $60.

[@ryanpenner9950]

Where do you find your pen kits?

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

There are several places. Turners Warehouse, The Classic Nib, Crooked Mill. It just depends on what the customer wants.

[@ryanpenner9950]

@@TheBillPayingHobbyists ok thanks🙌

[@mxracer107]

So what were those white specs exactly?

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Thanks for watching and your question. The white specs come from small dust particles getting caught in the CA glue during application.

[@cjs_hobbies]

White specs can also be cause by too much moisture in the blank or to much or wrong accelerator being used. Mercury Adhesives is not a finish CA, GluBoost is.

[@craftedpens]

@@TheBillPayingHobbyists no they weren’t! They were from the CA glue curing at a too rapid rate, aggravated possibly by an accelerator that may have had an element of foam safe chemicals in it. As a Woodturner who made my living from making pens, I would have gone out of business about a week before I started if I had employed some of the methods that you demonstrated.

[@craftedpens]

@@TheBillPayingHobbyists no they weren’t! They were from the CA glue curing at a too rapid rate, aggravated possibly by an accelerator that may have had an element of foam safe chemicals in it. As a Woodturner who made my living from making pens, I would have gone out of business about a week before I started if I had employed some of the methods that you demonstrated.

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Thank you all for the input. You learn something new every day.

[@dalebaker9788]

Wax your bushing right before you use CA glue and they will not stick

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Thanks for watching and the tip. I'll try that on my next pen when I'm home. Happy turning.

[@Gunkaleh]

Don't pull the tube back and forth as you're inserting and you shouldn't have any glue inside to clear out.

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Thanks for watching. Just be careful with that because I have found that it helps disperse the epoxy evenly. Happy Holidays.

[@robertcornelius3514]

Profit? Bahahaha. Oh, that's a good one.

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Thanks for watching. It’s all relative. I just enjoy making them and the videos. Great relaxation.

[@thetermite72]

Why not use a pen mill to square the barrel?

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Hey, thetermite, I don’t have one but I’m certainly not ‘anti-pen mill’. That's a great way to get it done. 😄 Thanks for watching!

[@cjs_hobbies]

Sanding unlike a pen mill you have more control of how much of the tube gets shortened. Pen mills have carbide that can and will cut into the tube.

[@numeric.alphabet]

Jangan lihat ballpoint nya lihat harganya Dan dibeli dimana? Ember dimana? Taman lalu lintas 10k dapat 3 bukan tutup 13 bonus gambar tempel sinchan jadi Yakuza..

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Thanks for watching. I enjoy the craft and thanks for the input.

[@stumpswoodworkingart7510]

Why not use a barrel trimmers for the ends?

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Thanks for watching. That’s another good option. It all about preferences I suppose.

[@dougbeach7299]

Great tutorial on making a pen. Based on the title though, I was expecting you to talk more about calculating your pricing.

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Thanks for the idea, I'll see if I can do a video on pricing. Thanks for watching!

[@dougbeach7299]

Pricing and listing. I have listed my pens on Etsy but haven't had any luck.

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Hey, Doug, I don't have any experience with Etsy. I sell through Facebook Market or in person when traveling (I usually carry a selection with me). There is a huge learning curve with this stuff and it is important to research your particular market (items and your locations). It is definitely a matter of patience, so don't let the frustration get you down. I'll see about adding more about pricing in one of my next videos. Don't stop spinning, good luck!

[@dougbeach7299]

@@TheBillPayingHobbyists exactly. Was hoping to hear tips and how you post on marketplace

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Hey, bud - The Weekly Primer, Ep 9 is all about how I price and post a pen on Facebook Marketplace. It comes out on 9 Aug at 11:00am EST. Thanks for the suggestion, I hope it helps. 👍

[@oldrudedog]

You said don't sand over the bushings and then you sanded over them 4-5 times, then cleaned the blank with alcohol then blew all the dust back over it again. then you put several layers of CA glue over the top on the bushings which will build up layers and make your bushings bigger. Other then that pretty good.

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Thanks for watching, oldrudedog!

[@calebwiggins3042]

Great video but you shouldnt lie to people that you're paying forna house with your hobby because the upfront cost of a lot of those tools is more than a lot of people make in a month

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Again, we appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@mikebevan1034]

Start with a cheap tool. Sell basic projects. Use that income to fund other tool purchases. That's what I'm doing. Grow your shop and in turn grow your income

[@xwingbandit9391]

Epoxy hardens. It doesn't dry. It isn't Elmer's glue. It's a chemical reaction.

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Thank you for the comment and for watching. Just shows that I’m never too old to learn something new.

[@gbwildlifeuk8269]

Wwing Bandit correct but only half the story! Its a thermo setting plastic, using the heat from the chemical reaction between the epoxy and the hardener, to set it. Thermo setting plastic cannot be reshaped. Thermo plastic on the other hand doesnt use a hardener, so can be reheated and reshaped.

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Update: This pen took about 6 wks to find it's home and we sold it for $40.

[@curtisaitken7027]

Can you do a total cost breakdown and ROI?

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Hey, Curtis, thanks so much for watching. I break down the numbers a bit more at 20:24 which was our original plan.

[@reloadNshoot]

There is no breakdown on material cost or time it took to make. A blip that says you hope to make $30. So you sold the pen for $40. How much time was involved in making the pen and how much money did you have in materials. That would go a long way into “breaking down the cost”

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Thanks for the suggestion. It's a learning process, we'll keep trying to improve as we go. I appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment. Happy turning!

[@wonkywoody]

@@reloadNshoot Good grief, give the guy a break! You likely know the cost components and he admitted how much he sold it for. He's not making much money selling pens...so what! He seems to be enjoying this chapter in his life, and THAT'S all that matters.

[@gregeastman6662]

$70.00 wow thats cool but crazy money

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Hey, thanks for watching, Greg!

[@MrC_5150]

Annoying background music. Bye

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Hey, Mr. C, thanks for watching. I'm def still learning the ropes, I appreciate it.

[@mr.p9882]

What a lot of EXTRA unnecessary steps.

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Thank you for watching. I enjoy the process and take my time. I'm not in a hurry as this is just a hobby for me. There are so many different ways to reach the same goal. Be sure to subscribe so we can keep doing this. Happy turning!

[@designerpens]

Getting in a hurry results in mistakes! I know from experience. I have broken acrylic pen blanks and pen kits in the process. A beautiful finished pen is well worth the extra effort

[@Berry-mr3zf]

❤

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Thank you so much. We really do appreciate the view and comment.

[@calebwiggins3042]

Great video but you shouldnt lie to people that you're paying forna house with your hobby because the upfront cost of a lot of those tools is more than a lot of people make in a month

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Great point, so true and thanks for watching. But, I'm not 'paying for a house'. I am saving up for a down payment using my hobbies, the second hand tools I've salvaged or have been given and skill sets to grow the down payment and save money in our monthly budgeting. Happy turning!

[@mikefas5406]

He said...save for a house....

[@calebwiggins3042]

@@mikefas5406 yup...